November 27, 2025, 1:03 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Suddenly, the horse eats less, stands apart from the herd, seems tired, and “is not like it used to be.” For many owners, such changes are a quiet indication that something fundamental has changed. The concern grows: Is it just a bad day, or could these be the first signs of the dying phases in horses? Petbook explains which signals should be taken seriously and how to support your animal in this sensitive phase of life.
When Is a Life No Longer Worth Living?
Often, this farewell announces itself much earlier—through changes that begin quietly yet reveal much about the horse’s health. “It’s really about recognizing when a life is no longer worth living for a horse, and pain and suffering have overshadowed the joy of life,” says Dr. Viola Hebeler, a specialist veterinarian for horses. Before the animal becomes immobile, collapses, and the circulatory system fails, months of a gradual process often pass. Recognizing this phase means sparing the horse unnecessary suffering.
First Signs That Your Horse Is Unwell
It is not always easy to determine how your horse is really doing: In the pasture, it seeks closeness to the herd, ambles around, and occasionally neighs. To outsiders, this looks like a normal day in a horse’s life, but the reality can be different: “Movement alone says nothing about how the horse feels during the other 23.5 hours,” says Dr. Viola Hebeler.
Many early warning signs are not related to the early dying phases but to severely reduced quality of life. Especially older or chronically ill horses often show the following changes gradually: 1
Loss of Appetite or Pain While Eating
It is important to observe whether the animal can still eat without pain, whether it rejects hay, only eats concentrated feed, or just soft food. Problems with teeth, stomach, or the musculoskeletal system can lead horses to avoid meals and suffer silently.
Digestive Issues
Recurring or chronic colic is a common sign that the body is overwhelmed. Diarrhea, constipation, or a noticeably bloated abdomen should also be taken seriously.
Shortness of Breath–the Underestimated Suffering
It is important to pay attention to whether the horse is breathing well or suffering from chronic shortness of breath. “This results in a constant fear of suffocation, for example, due to equine asthma in the final stage (heaves).” Chronic shortness of breath is one of the most animal welfare-relevant conditions.
Physical Decline
A significant weight loss of over 20 percent of normal weight and sunken flanks are often visible signs of serious problems.
Does the Horse Still Sleep Regularly?
“A very essential point that remains hidden from the casual observer is whether the horse regularly lies down to sleep,” says specialist veterinarian Dr. Viola Hebeler. “Even though horses can doze while standing, they need at least 30 minutes of deep sleep with REM phases in a lateral position. Horses that, for whatever reason, are afraid to lie down or have trouble getting up suffer.”
All these are animal welfare-relevant conditions that can justify euthanasia, even if the horse superficially appears to still be viable.
Late Signs: When the Body Can No Longer Cope
Shortly before death, the signs become more pronounced and are no longer overlooked: very low body temperature, shallow and irregular breathing, pale mucous membranes due to poor circulation, and loss of body control.
These Are the Dying Phases in Horses:
- The Early Phase (Preparation): Withdrawal, apathy, reduced food and water intake.
- The Final Phase (Agony): Vital functions significantly decline, severe weakness, loss of coordination.
- Death: Cardiac and respiratory arrest.
What Happens When the Horse Finally Dies
The actual moment of death is often very difficult for owners. Many choose to have their horse put down by a veterinarian before it dies painfully. Veterinarians administer an intravenous euthanasia drug, causing the horse to quickly lose consciousness. As a result of this loss, it then falls to the ground. Dr. Viola Hebeler emphasizes: “The horse is unaware of the moment of falling. The loss of consciousness occurs quickly. The entire process is painless.”
This is how euthanasia proceeds:
- The Fall: The horse usually buckles painlessly and falls.
- Uncontrolled Movements: Shortly before or after cardiac arrest, reflexes (muscle twitches, last deep breath) may occur, but these are not conscious reactions.
- The Confirmation: The veterinarian carefully checks the heart and reflexes to confirm death.
Do Horses Say Goodbye?
Many horses appear noticeably calm in their last hours or days, seeking closeness to familiar people or herd members; others tend to withdraw. Whether they “consciously” say goodbye cannot be scientifically proven, but numerous anecdotal reports suggest that horses are very aware of changes in their condition and situation.
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What Happens to the Horse’s Body After Death?
The transport of the horse’s body involves logistical effort. It is important to know: Burying horses is generally prohibited for environmental reasons. Speak with the stable operator in advance if you know that the farewell is approaching. A date must be arranged for the removal of the horse’s body. Your city or municipality works with companies for animal body disposal that have specialized trucks for disposal. This is a sight that most horse owners prefer to avoid.
The Final Path: Responsibility and Quality of Life
The dying phases in horses are very individual but generally follow the pattern of increasing weakness, withdrawal, and failure of central body functions. Those who know their horse well, regularly seek veterinary advice, and focus on pain relief and quality of life, can arrange the farewell so that the animal suffers as little as possible and can leave in peace. The thought that you can provide your horse with a peaceful and painless departure can offer comfort during this difficult time.